Cinnamon, Ground, Organic, 50g

Organic Ground Cinnamon, 50g

Ground cinnamon, often referred to as Ceylon cinnamon or "true cinnamon," comes from the inner bark of the Cinnamomum verum tree, which is native to Sri Lanka, India, and parts of Southeast Asia. It is more delicate and subtly sweet compared to Cassia cinnamon, which is commonly found in supermarkets. True cinnamon has a more refined, complex flavour and is often considered the "authentic" cinnamon variety.

Flavour Profile:

• Taste: Sweet, floral, and mildly spicy, with a soft, mellow warmth compared to the bolder, spicier flavour of Cassia.
• Aroma: Sweet, aromatic, and warm, with a fragrant scent that is less intense than Cassia.
• Heat: Milder heat than Cassia, with a more rounded, delicate spiciness.

Common Uses for Ground Cinnamon

1. Baking and Sweets:

• Pastries and Cakes: True cinnamon is often used in apple pies, cinnamon rolls, cakes, and muffins where its sweet, delicate flavour can shine through without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Cookies and Biscuits: Perfect for making snickerdoodles, gingerbread cookies, or cinnamon biscuits.
• Desserts: True cinnamon is used in rice pudding, custards, creams, and chocolate desserts to add warmth without dominating the flavour.
• Hot Drinks: A classic addition to hot chocolate, chai lattes, and mulled wine, where it adds sweetness and complexity.

2. Savoury Dishes:

• Curries and Stews: True cinnamon is often used in spice blends for Indian curries, Moroccan tagines, or Middle Eastern stews, where its milder sweetness enhances savoury flavours.
• Rice and Pilafs: Works wonderfully in spiced rice dishes like pilafs and biryanis, especially when paired with nuts, dried fruits, and meats.
• Meat Dishes: Adds a hint of sweetness and depth to slow-cooked meats like lamb, chicken, or pork, often in combination with spices like cumin, coriander, or ginger.

3. Beverages:

• Hot Drinks: Ground true cinnamon is perfect for adding to hot beverages like apple cider, chai, and spiced coffee, as it provides a subtle warmth and sweetness.
• Cocktails: Adds a gentle spiciness to cocktails like sangria, rum-based drinks, or spiced punches.

4. Sauces and Condiments:

• Sweet Sauces: Ground cinnamon is used in sweet syrups, fruit compotes, or jam recipes, particularly those made with apples, pears, or stone fruits.
• Marinades and Glazes: True cinnamon adds an aromatic touch to marinades and glazes for meats or vegetables, especially those featuring sweet notes like honey or brown sugar.

5. Breakfast Dishes:

• Oatmeal and Porridge: A sprinkle of true cinnamon can enhance the flavour of oatmeal, porridge, or granola, adding a comforting sweetness.
• Smoothies: Pairs well in fruit-based smoothies, especially those made with apples, bananas, or berries, offering warmth and depth of flavour.

Health Benefits of Ground Cinnamon:

1. Rich in Antioxidants: True cinnamon is a potent source of antioxidants that can help fight inflammation and protect the body from free radicals.
2. Supports Digestive Health: Cinnamon has been traditionally used to relieve digestive issues like bloating and indigestion. It helps soothe the stomach and improve digestion.
3. Blood Sugar Regulation: True cinnamon has been shown to help stabilise blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes.
4. Anti-inflammatory: Contains compounds that may reduce inflammation, which can help manage chronic conditions.
5. Antibacterial and Antifungal: Has natural antimicrobial properties, helping to support immune function and prevent infections.

Manufacturers and/or packaging may vary from those illustrated.